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St. James church holds 25th annual Lenten Fish Fry starting Friday

By Billie Owens
St. James Episcopal Church of Batavia is holding its 25th Annual Lenten Fish Fry every Friday from March 8 through April 12.
 
Eat-in meals are served starting at 5 p.m. or takeout starting at 4:30 p.m.
 
Meals feature large servings of either fried or baked fish, French fries or baked potato, coleslaw or applesauce all for $10. St. James is famous for its fantastic home-baked desserts for $4.
 
Last year more than 2,000 dinners were served over the six week Lenten period! Come early to make sure you get your favorite dessert!
 
St. James church is located at 405 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.

Alzheimer's Association offers free programs and support services for caregivers this month in Genesee County

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Alzheimer’s Association® Western New York Chapter is offering a number of free programs and supportive services across Genesee County in March.

Chapter dementia educators will present "Effective Communication Strategies" at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 13, at The Manor House at 427 E. Main St. in Batavia.

This program is ideal for care partners of those living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia, as it offers verbal and nonverbal strategies for caregivers to more effectively understand and communicate. Dinner will also be served, so preregistration is required by calling 1.800.272.3900 or 716.626.0600.

Additionally, the Chapter trains facilitators to lead several monthly caregiver support groups across the county, which allow caregivers to connect with others facing similar challenges and hear advice for overcoming them:

  • Third Wednesday (March 20) at 7 p.m. – Richmond Memorial Library, 19 Ross St. in Batavia
  • Third Thursday (March 21) at 1 p.m. – Genesee County Office for the Aging, 12 Bank St. in Batavia
  • Second Monday (March 11) at 2 p.m. – The Greens of Le Roy, 1 West Ave. in Le Roy

Community social programs, or respites, are also available every month in Batavia and Corfu. This program provides relief to those who care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia and offers them some time to refresh and re-charge, while their loved one is engaged in social activities in a safe environment.

First Presbyterian Church of Batavia offers this free service on the fourth Monday (March 25) from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For additional information, please call Mickey Rodak at (585) 455-5940.

Indian Falls United Methodist Church at 7908 Allegany Road offers a respite program on the third Wednesday (March 20) from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. For more information, call Celinda McQuiston at (585) 762-9105. 

To learn more about other Alzheimer’s Association programs and services, contact the WNY Chapter office at 1.800.272.3900.

You can also access dementia care programs and resources by calling the Genesee County Office for the Aging at 585.343.1611.

Local author Gregory Van Dussen speaks on 'Transfiguration and Hope' at Batavia First Presbyterian Church

By Billie Owens

Author Gregory Van Dussen, Ph.D., will speak about hope, your future and more on Thursday, March 21 at Batavia First Presbyterian Church.

This is a literary evening event that offers the gift of hope and is intended to nourish your mind and broaden your vision for life. It is open to the public and free to attend.

Time is 7 to 8:30 p.m. The church is located at 300 E. Main St. in Batavia.

Van Dussen's new book is called "Transfiguration and Hope: A Conversation Across Time and Space," published by Wipf and Stock.

He asks: "When you think of the future, your future, how far does it go? What are your greatest hopes? What is God hoping for you? Why does Jesus' life, death and resurrection offer you hope?

"What do you hope your life will be like five years from now? What about 10 years from now? 20? 50? 100? What is the way to heaven? Do you envision eternal life?"

The author reminds us that there is an event in the New Testament that (literally) sheds light on those questions. The Transfiguration of Christ taught Peter, James and John more than they had ever known about Him. Did the Transfiguration also tell them more than they could ever "ask or imagine" about themselves (Ephesians 3:20 NIV,NRSV)? About you?

Copies of the new book will be available and Van Dussen will be happy to sign your book. They are also available for sale at the Holland Land Office Museum on Main Street in Batavia and can be ordered in paperback, hardback and electronic formats from Amazon.

Check out Van Dussen's WBTA interview at WBTA (http://wbtai.com).

Genesee Valley School Boards Association holds meeting for potential trustees on March 20, must RSVP

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Are you interested in running for a seat on your local school board? The Genesee Valley School Boards Association (GVSBA) is holding an informational meeting for potential school board candidates at 7 p.m. on March 20.

The meeting will be held at the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership, 80 Munson St. in Le Roy.

This meeting will help you understand the steps that you must take to be included in the election, and what you can expect as a board member.

The meeting will also include panel discussions, featuring Patrick Burk, executive director of the GVSBA; other panelists are a newer board of education member, a veteran member, as well as a school superintendent.

The program will be a comprehensive look at what is required to run for election, some basic education law and the roles and responsibilities of a board of education member.  

This is an excellent way for a community member to become involved with the educational program in their home town,” Burk said.

Local school boards are comprised of five, seven or nine members, depending on the school district, and terms are either three or five years. Commitment, time and skills as well as required training and programs will also be discussed.

Refreshments will be served. Registration is required; please contact Burk or Sandra Lee James at (585) 344-7537.

GC Master Gardeners invite you to 'Catch the Gardening Bug'

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join the Genesee County Master Gardeners this spring as we “Catch the Gardening Bug.”

We will be offering four gardening programs this spring with our first one, “Invaders amongst Our Trees,” from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 26.

Get a DEC Forester’s perspective on what invasive species are threatening our landscape trees and forests -- from Emerald Ash Borer to Oak Wilt.

We’ll also talk about some new threats on the horizon such as Mile-a-Minute Vine and Spotted Lanternfly. This program is free, but registration is required by March 22 as space is limited.

Shade gardens can offer cool relief on hot, sunny days. While flowers offer flash, plants with attractive foliage offer season-long color. If you are looking for shade loving plants other than hostas and pachysandra, join us on April 4 for “Awesome Plants for Shady Sites.”

We'll show you a variety of great plants that you can add to your shady retreat. Registration required by March 29. Cost is $10.

Learn the history of what came to be known as “Kitchen Gardens” on April 16. Find out what settlers to the New World, especially New York, planted in their kitchen gardens and why.

There will be hands on activities to help you start thinking about how you would plant your own kitchen garden. Registration required by April 12. Cost is $10.

Has your compost pile got you down? Maybe you would like to start one but you’re not sure how to. Join us on April 25, for “Fun with Compost!”

We’ll cover the basics of two composting techniques that will turn your vegetable scraps into plant food; either by the traditional method of creating a pile outdoors or by using a container of worms indoors. Registration required by April 19. Cost is $10.

All classes will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 420 E. Main St., Batavia.

Unless otherwise noted, the cost is $10 per person, per class. Preregistration is required as class size is limited.

Contact Brandie at 585-343-3040, ext. 101, or stop by our office to register. Visit our website at: http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/events for more information.

Town of Bethany Republican Committee seeks people to serve on the committee

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Town of Bethany Republican Committee is seeking individuals who are interested in being considered to serve on the Town of Bethany Republican Committee.

Those interested please send letter of intent to: Thomas J. Douglas, 10515 East Road, Pavilion, NY 1452

Or contact at tdgoldenrod@yahoo.com

Cell: (585) 356-0824

Students in CTE Culinary Club host Pop-Up Dinner March 11, tickets are $25

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center’s Culinary Club will host a Pop-Up Dinner at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, March 11.

The public is invited to this three-course dinner that be held in the Culinary Arts Dining Room at the Batavia CTE Center, located at 8250 State Street Road, Batavia.

Chef Tracy Burgio is the Culinary Arts Instructor at the Batavia CTE Center. She noted how events like these give student real-world experiences as the event is student driven. 

“The students have researched menu possibilities in order to plan the menu," Burgio said. "They will prepare and cook all the entrees and also serve our customers. Everyone works together as a team to create a memorable, pleasant experience for our patrons."

Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at the Batavia CTE Center.

Any questions may be directed to Chef Burgio at (585) 344-7795 or tburgio@gvboces.org.

About the Batavia Career and Technical Education Center

It is a program of the Genesee Valley Educational Partnership. The Partnership operates as a Board of Cooperative Educational Services providing shared programs and services to 22 component school districts located in Genesee, Wyoming, Livingston and Steuben counties in New York state.

Reminder: Nominations for city's 2018 Recognition Awards are due by March 8

By Billie Owens

The City of Batavia is currently seeking nominations, which are due no later than March 8, for the following 2018 Recognition Awards:

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER

An outstanding individual in the community that demonstrates excellence in volunteerism. This individual goes above and beyond normal responsibilities creating a lasting and beneficial impact.

HOMEOWNER OF THE YEAR

An engaged resident who has given extra effort to go above and beyond in maintaining their home and enhance their neighborhood.

BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

A business that has demonstrated community involvement and represents entrepreneurial spirit while providing exceptional customer service, professionalism and integrity.

NOT-FOR-PROFIT/SERVICE ORGANIZATION

Providing service to the people of the City by demonstrating commitment in improving quality of life throughout the community.

***************

If you know of someone that you would like to nominate please complete the nomination form and submit to Lisa Casey by Friday, March 8.

The awards will be presented by City Council at a future City Council Meeting.

Nomination forms available by the following:

Mail nominations to: Lisa Casey, City of Batavia, One Batavia City Centre, Batavia, NY 14020.

Fax nominations to (585) 343-8182.

Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble's Spring Concert is April 27 in Warsaw

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Genesee Valley Wind Ensemble will hold is Spring Concert at 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27 in the Warsaw Middle-High School Auditorium.

It is located at 81 W. Court St. in Warsaw.

The purpose of the GVWE is to serve and to provide the Greater Genesee Valley audience with new and familiar live music, to serve its membership with the opportunity to perform challenging wind ensemble literature and to create the opportunity for the conductor and musicians to grow their collective musical talents.

Admission:

  • $10 -- Adult
  • $8 -- Senior (55+) & Veteran
  • $5 -- Student (with ID)
  • Free -- Children 5 years old & under
  • $25 -- Family Deal- for immediate family and children as defined by mother and/or father and up to four (4) children

Featured Works:

"Kirkpatrick Fanfare" – Andrew Boysen (Member Conductor- Rachel Clark) Overture to "Candide" -- Leonard Bernstein
"Scherzo for X-Wings" -- John Williams arr. Paul Lavender
"Fantasy on American Sailing Songs" -- Claire Grundman

March “Gradioso”
"Blue Shades" -- Frank Ticheli
Highlights from "Oklahoma!" – arr. Robert Russell Bennett, A '60s Time Capsule
"Sheltering Sky" – John Mackey

Conductors:

Rachel Clark -- member conductor -- Alexander Central School
Philip J. Briatico -- conductor & founder of the GVWE -- Warsaw Central School

Contacts:

geneseevalleywindensemble@gmail.com

www.geneseevalleywindensemble.org

Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show is March 16-17 at Quality Inn & Suites, Batavia

By Billie Owens

The 72nd annual Batavia Gun and Sportsman Show will be held the weekend of March 16-17 at Quality Inn & Suites in Batavia.

Times are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday. The hotel is located at 8250 Park Road.

Admission is $5; children age 12 and under get in free when accompanied by adult.

More than 130 8-foot vendor and exhibitor tables will be chock full of items and there's plenty of free parking.

This event is sponsored by the Alabama Hunt Club, located on Lewiston Road in Alabama.

The show will feature collector, antique and investment firearms, swords and knives, Revolutionary War to World War II militaria, books, traps, pistols, gun parts, ammo and hunting accessories, black powder accessories, reloading equipment, archery, medals and more!

NOTE: All firearm laws MUST be obeyed.

Public participation is encouraged: bring items to sell or trade with dealers.

A National Instant Criminal Background Check MUST be completed prior to all firearm sales. The background check is free.

For more information, contact Dennis Davis at:   dwdavis70@gmail.com or phone (585) 798-6089.

Western NY reunion is March 6 in Palmetto, Florida

By Billie Owens
WESTERN NY REUNION
 
WNY Reunion, March 6, Wednesday, Tropic Isles Auditorium, 1507 28th Ave. West, Palmetto, Fla., 34221.
 
Coffee and donuts at 11 a.m. Lunch at noon. Bring a dish to pass and your own plates, silverware and napkins.
 
$3 per person donation at door registration.
 
Short business meeting, roll call of counties, and door prizes will follow lunch.
 
Please join us and other Western New Yorkers for fellowship and camaraderie.
 
Info: Jackie 941-722-8569
 
Thank you,
Jackie Adinolfe
Secretary, WNY Reunion

Fundraiser for cancer patient Joe Trigilio at Batavia Downs is March 24

By Billie Owens

There will be a fundraiser to help cancer patient Joe Trigilio at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 24.

Joe was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and is currently undergoing treatment at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo.

During this time, his medical expenses have grown exponentially and he could use the community's help.

Please come out and support Joe and the Trigilio Family during this very challenging time in their lives.

Each attendee's $30 donation at this benefit will include: food, draft beer, live music, and $20 in Free Play at the casino.

There will also be a Chinese auction, silent auction and 50/50 raffle.

To donate or for more information, contact: Angela at (585) 343-1129; or Mary Ellen at (716) 512-5242; or Tammy at (585) 813-4455; or Fred at (585) 356-2448.

Bergen artist and his GCC college buddy to display their paintings in The Little Theatre Cafe in Rochester

By Billie Owens

Pictured above is "Root Man," a painting by David F. Burke of Bergen.

Bergen artist David F. Burke and fellow artist Daniel Hogan, a friend he met at Genesee Community College in 1975, will both have their paintings on display at The Little Theatre Cafe in Rochester from Feb. 23 through March 23.

The exhibit is titled "Looking at Nature Through Imagery and Abstraction."

An opening reception will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 24. The cafe is inside Little Theatre 2 & 3 back complex on Winthrop Street and there's additional parking just past Hart's Grocery.

Below is an untitled painting by the artist Daniel Hogan.

Tops markets launches Learning Garden contest for elementary schools

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Tops Family Markets and Dole Packaged Foods LLC are excited to launch the third annual Learning Garden contest granting two elementary schools in either Upstate New York, Vermont or Northern Pennsylvania a Captain Planet Foundation Learning Garden. The contest will begin Sunday, Feb. 17 and will run until Saturday, March 16.

Tops shoppers can enter their school for a chance to win by visiting topsmarkets.comor https://captainplanetfoundation.org/contest/topsmarkets/and filling out the contest application. Two lucky schools will win a comprehensive Learning Garden complete with lesson kits filled with supplies, a schoolyard garden, fully equipped garden cooking cart, and strategies for summer garden maintenance.

The Learning Garden program provides a context for multidisciplinary learning, ranging from Nutrition and Science to Social Studies, Math, and Language Arts. Students benefit by expanding their palates, taste-testing healthy foods, and learning about food origins.

“Dole is very excited to be partnering with Tops Friendly Markets again to bring two lucky schools Learning Gardens. It is so important for children to learn about where their food comes from and develop healthy eating habits at an early age,” said Larry White, vice president -- Sales, Dole Packaged Foods. 

“So many subjects can be taught in the garden and hands-on garden learning is an excellent way to support student understanding of natural systems, food origins, and healthy eating,” said Leesa Carter, president & CEO of Captain Planet Foundation.

“Captain Planet Foundation is dedicated to ensuring that kids are armed with an understanding of the natural world in which they live, and we are thrilled to be partnering again with Tops and Dole Packaged Foods to provide two lucky schools in with Project Learning Garden.”

“Tops Friendly Markets is excited to partner with Dole and the Captain Planet Foundation for a third year. We are committed to supporting educational excellence and the hands-on garden and curriculum is an integral part of the conversation when teaching kids learn where their food comes from,” says Diane Colgan, senior VP of Marketing & Decision Support, Tops Friendly Markets. “We encourage every elementary school to consider entering for their chance at winning this great free resource.”

About Dole Packaged Foods

Dole Packaged Foods LLC, a subsidiary of Dole International Holdings, is a leader in growing, sourcing, distributing and marketing fruit, vegetables and healthy snacks throughout the world. Dole markets a full line of innovative packaged, frozen and dried fruit. The company focuses on four pillars of sustainability in all its operations: water management, carbon footprint, soil conservation and packaging. For more information, please visit dolesunshine.comor doleintlcsr.com.

About Tops Friendly Markets

Tops Markets LLC is headquartered in Williamsville and operates 159 full-service supermarkets with five additional by franchisees under the Tops banner. Tops employs over 14,000 associates and is a leading full-service grocery retailer in New York, northern Pennsylvania, and Vermont. For more information about Tops Markets, visit the company's website at www.topsmarkets.com.

About Captain Planet Foundation (CPF)

Based on the critically-acclaimed animated series "Captain Planet and the Planeteers," CPF was cofounded in 1991 by media mogul Ted Turner and producer Barbara Pyle. Since then, the Captain Planet Foundation has played a critical role in helping to ensure that the next generation of business leaders and policy makers are environmentally literate citizens who leverage technology and information to manage and protect the air, land, and water upon which all life depends. 

CPF is a grant-making foundation that has funded over 2,000 hands-on environmental education projects withschools and nonprofits that serve children in all 50 U.S. states and in 25 countries internationally. More than 1.4 million children have directly participated in and benefited from these educational projects. In addition to its Small Grants Program, the Captain Planet Foundation also operates the following programs: Project Learning Garden, Project Hero, Youth Voice, and the Institute. For more information:www.captainplanetfoundation.org.

St. Paul Lutheran School holds annual auction Saturday to benefit tuition fund

By Billie Owens

Above is just a sampling of the nice things available for auction at St. Paul Lutheran School on Saturday. Photo courtesy of St. Paul's.

St. Paul Lutheran School is holding their annual auction on Saturday, Feb. 9th. The doors open at 3:30 p.m. and bidding begins at 4 o'clock.

The auction is to be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church and School located at 31 Washington Ave., Batavia.

Items to be auctioned are theme baskets, handmade items, craft items and certificates. There is also a bake sale. The Snack Shack will be open!

The proceeds will benefit the school's tuition fund.

CANCELLED: Moments That Survive: Remembering Those Impacted by Gun Violence Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 6:30pm

By Beth Stich

CANCELLED: As the first anniversary of the shooting in Parkland FL approaches and in support of survivors of gun violence close to home and around the country, the Genesee County Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America group will be hosting a vigil at Batavia First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., on Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30pm. The purpose of this event is to offer compassionate support to survivors of gun violence in our community.  It will include a curious inquiry into the question: Who is a survivor?  A Survivor Speaker will share her personal story of how a family tragedy impacted her life and the lives of so many others. Guest survivors will be blessed and fortified by the Spirit of Love that unites us all. This event to open to all. Even if you have not been personally impacted by gun violence, your presence will provide a visible expression of the support and compassion of the larger community.      Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence. 

FED talks at Arbor House kick off on Feb. 21 with relationship between LGBTQ community and the church

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Last year, Northgate Free Methodist Church’s South Campus, called Arbor House, successfully hosted a series of "FED Talks" -- Food, Exploration, Dialogue. They are excited to announce a new series for 2019, with evenings of savory meals, exciting talks and group conversations on a series of topics that the contemporary church must address.

Speakers will give talks that challenge, entertain and inspire. Be fed twice -- in body and soul -- as we journey together in discussing how our mission to be hope in the world involves entering into areas of great tension, but also great need.

Thursday, Feb. 21st, from 6-8 p.m., Doug Cullum, vice president and dean at Northeastern Seminary, will be discussing the relationship between the LGBTQ (Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transexual/Queer) community and the church.

This event is free and open to the public.

Arbor House is located at 350 Bank St., Batavia. For more information please contact the church office at (585) 343-4011.

GC Student Art Exhibit now on display at GO ART! through Feb. 23

By Billie Owens

On display at GO ART! now through Feb. 23 is the Genesee County Student Art Exhibit. There will be an Artist Reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 21.

GO ART! is located at 201 E. Main St. in Downtown Batavia.

Phone is 343-9313.

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